Forever Young is a South African reality television series created, produced and directed by Lungile Radu which follows Radu and fellow actors Siyabonga Ngwekazi and Thomas Gumede who are determined to follow their hearts and live in the moment in pursuit of their dreams.
That trio is headed up by Lungile Radu, who first entered the hearts and lives of Africans as part of the Channel O team, earning him the enduring nickname "Lungsta" on TVSA.
Since those days, Lungile has appeared on It's For Life, and took over from Taps Mokoena as the host of Fear Factor South Africa for the second season, which aired in 2007.
In 2007, Lungile made his screen acting debut in the leading role of "rich boy" Sibusiso Vilakazi on the e.tv soapie Rhythm City. He later hosted the Channel O show Goal Diggerz.
Lungile is joined by Siyabonga Ngwekazi, another experienced South African entertainer. Over the years, Siya has hosted everything from Street Journal to The Real Goboza, V Entertainment and Top Shayela.
Completing the trio is Thomas Gumede, who combines acting and comedy. Gumede has had several dramatic roles including that of Siphiwe in A Place Called Home, Bay of Plenty, Backstage, Home Affairs and Soul City.
With Lungile keeping the momentum going (he's levelheaded, serious, a good voice of reason, steadfast and goal-orientated and manages to keep most of his outbursts in check), Forever Young has been a life-changing experience for the three young South Africans involved who are not only staring in the show but are also producers.
For Lungile, Forever Young is more than just a show – it's a way of life. For Siya, the chance to do something more meaningful through entertainment was something he could not refuse. And for Gumede, Forever Young taught him to "roll with the punches".
Episode one of the show introduces viewers to this trio of guys and the people around them, as they make plans to go to Brazil where the drama and fun is only just beginning.
Expect to see full-on conflict (sometimes between the guys themselves) and also great heights as Lungile, Siya and Thomas make a play for success in the fashion and entertainment world.
Forever Young is not just a TV show - it's about the journey to success. It's about leaping off a cliff, knowing you will survive. It's about overcoming obstacles as young people in the 21st century and getting on with those closest to you.
It's also about being creative and finding your way.
Forever Young is produced by Parental Advisory Productions with executive producers Lungile Radu, Thomas Gumede and Siyabonga Ngwekazi. Simphiwe Mhlongo is the producer and Radu the director.
Broadcast Notes
The series premiered on Vuzu on Friday 9 March 2012, at 19h00. It moved to Mzansi Magic for Season 2 and to Vuzu Amp for Season 3.